Safety swimming device



Nov. 1, 1932. J. L. 'KIMMEL SAFETY SWIMMING DEVICE Filed June 25, 1951 Patented Nov. 1, 1932 PATENT OFFICE JOHN L. KIMMEL, OF BRONX, NEW YORK SAFETY SWIMMING DEVICE Application filed. June 23,

My invention relates to buoyant devices, adapted for use for life saving purposes, or for assistance in swimming, and has for an important object the provision of an extreme- 5,, 1y simple and highly effective device, which may be readily attached or detached in relati on to the body of the user, and instantly inflated when desired.

A further object of my invention resides in a buoyant device which is so constructed as to efficiently support the body of a person in water without hindrance to the various swimming movements.

A still further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a pair of water wings, a single air communicating means between both of the water wings, and a unitary valve which. will effectually prevent the escape of both air chambers, or wings simultaneously for supporting the swimmer with safet in the event that either of the water wings should become damaged or otherwise incapable of maintaining the required quantity of air.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following detailed descriptionjtaken in connection with the drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a view illustrating my improved buoyant device in its inflated position, as worn why a swimmer;

Figure 2 is a view in perspective illustrating the several elements of my buoyant device in their separated positions, as for example, before assembly;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view taken near the juncture between the two water wings;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3; and Figure 5, is a View of the air filling tube associated with my invention. I

My invention, in the form or embodiment shown in the drawing and briefly described, comprises a pair of spaced wing elements, 10 4 and 11, which are connected together by means of an integrally formed neck portion, 12, an air-filling tube indicated generally as at 13, having a pair of branches, 14 and 15, and a clamping member shown generally as at 16.

1931. Serial No. 546,305.

The wings or buoyant members, 10 and 11, associated with my invention are preferably formed of a pair of similarly shaped and super-imposed cut-out portions which, together with the foldable end members, 17 are vulcanized along the free edges thereof for the purpose of providing a water-tight connection therebetween. It may be here stated that although the wings are preferably constructed of relatively thin sheet rubber, other waterproof material may besuccessfully employed.

The neck or connecting portion, 12, which is integrally formed with the wing elements, 10 and 11, not only provide additional buoyant means for the swimmer, but it forms a well rounded support which adds comfort to the swimmer when in its inflated condition. An opening, 20, is provided in the approximate center of the connecting neck portion, 12, for the purpose of, receiving the outwardly extending tube 13. The branches, 14 and 15, of the tube, 13, which are preferably formed of rubber tubing or the like, are adapted to communicate. with each of the wings or buoyant members, 10 and 11, and are further bent toward the outer end where they merge in a single tube. The outer end of this tube is provided with a metallic bushing, 21, which is exteriorly threaded as indicated at 22, for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

' For the purpose of preventing displacement of the tube, 13, and its respective branches 14 and 15, within the neck portion, 12, I preferably cement or vulcanize them to the sheets of waterproof material as shown at 24.

A pair of relatively narrow slits is formed in the cemented portion of the neck, 12, for the purpose of receiving the cars, 25, of the U shaped clip, 26, and each of the ears near their free end are provided with openings for the reception of a pivotally mounted clamping lever, 27, which is in turn provided with an angularly bent portion, 28. A bearing plate, 30, is loosely mounted upon the cars, 25, of the U- shaped clip, 26, and is adapted to be contacted by the edge of the angularly bent portion, 28, for impinging the branch tubes,

14 and 15, when it is desired to seal the wings or buoyant members, 10 and 11.

It will now be appreciated that the simultaneous clamping or impinging of both of the communicating means for their respective buoyant members independently seals each of them and assures their independent buoyancy. In this manner, should either of the buoyant members become punctured or otherwise incapable of performing its water-tight function, the other buoyant member will in itself be of suficient capacity to sustain the swimmer or wearer.

Any desirable belt (not shown) may,.of course, be suitably attached to the buoyant members 10 and 11 by means of the usual snap-hooks or other fastening devices.

Referring now particularly to Figure 5, of the accompanying drawing, I may employ a comparatively thin flexible tube, 34:, for conveniently filling or replenishing the buoyant device as desired. This tube is provided with an interiorly threaded sleeve at one end, which is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded nipple, 21, whereas the opposite or free end may be provided with a cap having a check valve for preventing the entrance of water therethrough. The free end of this tube may be provided with a hook or other fastening means for maintaining it in the desired position so that it may be readily accessible at all times.

Due to the compactness of my improved. buoyant device for swimmers, and its extreme light Weight, it may satisfactorily be worn in its deflated condition without, in the least, hindering the swimmer in his various move- Inents. Should the swimmer, however, be seized with a cramp or should he become exhausted, the wings or buoyant chambers, 10 and 11, may be quickly inflated, thereby permitting the swimmer to be safely and comfortably sustained in the water.

When my improved buoyant device is in its completely deflated condition it may be readily collapsed or folded into a comparatively small space, rendering it highly satis factory for packing and travel.

I am aware that the invention may be cmbodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiment to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A buoyant device for swimming com; prising a pair of inflatable wings integrally connected by a neck portion, branch conduits communicating with said wings and merging into a common nozzle within said neck portion, and a clamping member associated with and extending transversely through said neck portion, adapted to open or close said conduits for the admission or expulsion of air.

2. A buoyant device for swimmers comprising a pair of inflatable wings integrally connected y a neck portion, branch conduits communicating with said wings and merging into a common nozzle within said neck portion, and a clamping member for opening or closing said branch conduits for the admission or expulsion of air for exerting a clamping pressure upon said conduits within the confines of said connecting neck portion.

3. A buoyant device for swimmers comprising a pair of spaced wings integrally connected by a neck portion, air tubes within said neck portion communicating with said spaced wings and merging into a common air nozzle, and clamping means for permitting the admission or expulsion of air into or from said wings comprising a U-shaped member the lateral arms of which extend through said neck portion on opposite sides of said air communicating tubes and the free ends of which are associated with a cam for opening or closing said tubes.

4. A buoyant device for swimmers comprising a pair of spaced wings integrally connected by a neck portion, air tubes within a a s v I u said neck portlon communicating with said spaced wingsand merging into a common air nozzle, and clamping means for permitting the admission or explusion of air into or from said wings comprising a U-shaped member having a base portion engaging one external face of said neck portion and lateral arms extending through said neck portion on opposite sides of said air communicating tubes, a floating bearing plate engaging the opposite external face of said neck portion, a cam journalled in the free ends of said lateral arms and adapted to engage said bearing plate to open or close said tubes.

5. A buoyant device for swimmers comprising a pair of spaced inflatable wings, a neck portion integrally formed therewith, said neck portion having walls extending transversely therethrough so as to form a sealed, central chamber between said spaced wings, an aperture in said walls, and branch conduits diverging from a common nozzle in said chamber and extending through the aperture in said walls to communicate with the spaced wings for the purpose of inflating or deflating the same, and a. clamp for opening and closing said conduits.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name.

JOHN L. KIMMEL. 

